Intrasinus bolstering of traumatic maxillary sinus fractures by using Foley catheter balloons in two foals

To describe the repair of unstable facial fractures by using Foley catheter balloons as intrasinus bolsters.

Case report ANIMALS: Two weanling foals with unilateral fractures of the sinus and orbit secondary to kick injuries. Preoperative imaging that included positive contrast dacrocystorhinography and computed tomography confirmed severe comminution of facial fractures and nasolacrimal duct disruption in both foals.

Small bone fragments were surgically removed, and large fragments were retained even when denuded of periosteum. Repair procedures included nasolacrimal canaliculosinusotomy and suturing fracture fragments together with polydioxanone sutures. After fixation, the fracture fragments could be depressed into the sinus with manual pressure, so two intrasinus Foley catheters were placed to bolster the sinus wall, with the tubing exiting through a frontal sinus trephine. The skin was completely closed over the fractures. Catheters and nasolacrimal stenting were maintained in place during fracture healing.

One foal prematurely dislodged catheters and nasolacrimal stent 11 days after fixation. The catheters and stenting were removed as planned 4 weeks after surgery in the second foal. Wound, fracture healing, and overall cosmesis was good in both foals, and epiphora resolved. Surgical site infection, sinusitis, and sequestration did not occur. Both foals became high-level performance horses with acceptable cosmetic outcome and good bilateral nasal airflow.

Foley catheter balloons supported sinus fracture repair and maintained stability of the surgical reconstruction during convalescence.

Suture repair of comminuted sinus fractures can be supported by using Foley catheters, which are readily available.